Can a Faulty Roof Damage Your Siding?
Your roof is the most important part of your home. It not only keeps the rain out of your home but also protects your home’s other structures from decay. That’s why keeping your roof in good repair is critical to maintaining your entire home. If left unattended, problems with your roof could lead to major repairs down the road. A faulty roof often precipitates the damage that leads to siding repair. Different types of siding will experience different types of problems.
Missing or Broken Shingles
Your roof is only as watertight as its weakest shingle. When shingles become compromised through hail damage, blow-offs, or age, water seeps in and begins the decay process. Many times, the water seeps in and runs down the underside of the decking until it collects on the soffits, causing them to rot. Left long enough, the siding will also rot. If you have wood sidings such as clapboards or shakes, your siding is the most susceptible to this type of damage. But a faulty roof can damage other types of siding, too.
Faulty or Absent Gutters
Gutters are a part of your home’s roofing system. If they are not functioning properly or were never installed in the first place, water has a chance to destroy your siding. Rainwater that should have been directed away from your home’s siding now has unlimited access. Again, wood clapboards and shakes are most susceptible, but even vinyl siding or fiber cement can become discolored or delaminated, resulting in the need for siding repair.
Roof damage can cause siding damage, which may be more visible.
Poor Ventilation
Part of your roofing system is ventilation. There are several types of ventilation, with ridge ventilation and soffit ventilation being two of the most common. Building codes specify how much ventilation you should have for your attic or crawl space based on it’s square-footage and the slope of the roof. If your home lacks adequate ventilation, your attic can become overheated and humid in the summer months. The heat and moisture can lead to warped and rotting siding. The faulty ventilation in your roof can slowly damage your siding until there is no other solution than replacement.
Moisture: The Main Troublemaker
As you can see, there’s a common theme in each of these potential issues: moisture. When water or moisture gets through the roof and into cracks in siding, it can lead to big issues. You can end up with warping, buckling, mold, and other problems.
Inspect and Prevent
Unfortunately, many people ignore their roof troubles until the problem becomes visible somewhere more accessible, like their home’s siding. However, the smart homeowner will prevent such issues with regular inspections and repairs!
If you aren’t sure you can identify roofing or gutter problems, or if you just don’t feel safe doing so, hire a professional. A professional roofing contractor like those at Eagle Watch Roofing can come and safely inspect your roof, gutters, and attic to give you a full assessment. We can make sure you’re prepared for any weather by making small and necessary repairs before they lead to big (and expensive) issues.
Sooner or Later
By the time you recognize that your home is in need of siding repair, you are probably also in need of roof repair. Eagle Watch is ready to help you repair or replace your siding as well as address your roofing issues. Remember, in the home repair business, sooner is always more affordable than later. Contact Eagle Watch Roofing today for a free estimate.